The time has come for your first big race. You have been training and reading as much information as you can about what your first race is going to be like. Every bit of information you can find about the race you have soaked up. It is the day before the race, all the training is done. Now what? Here is a little advice for your first big race to help you along the way!
Usually the day before a big race, there is a race expo. The website of the race likely has the hours of the expo and where it is located. Depending on the size of the race, it could be at a big convention center or even somewhere as small as a running store located near where the race is going to be held. If it is a smaller race, they may not have an expo and it will likely just be a packet pickup.
You will want to make sure that you have planned to be there on time and coordinated it with your traveling situation. If you are unable to get to the expo, check to see what time you will need to be at the race for same day packet pickup. Some races do not allow for race day packet pickup. Be sure to check for rules prior to making travel arrangements so all your training effort isn’t in vain.
When you are at the expo, you will see many different kind of vendors with all sorts of running related products. I suggest you bring cash to the expo in case you see something you just can’t live without. I keep an old printers drawer on my wall in my office with different race memorabilia and some of it is from the race expos. Many times there are other race series representatives present and offering discounts for their races. This may be something to think about taking advantage of while you are there.
If your race will be a longer one, you might consider checking out the course. I have found this helps me mentally prepare. Most courses have mile markers spread out along the course but sometimes it is nice to know what is coming ahead. I try to do this before every race.
Nutrition prior to the race is important. Your body is going to require the proper amount of energy to run a long distance of 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Most of this energy will come from glycogen stores. You won’t be able to fill all those stores up the night before, so it is important to start 2 to 3 days prior to the race. Most of your calories these days should come from carbohydrates. This will help you keep your energy up for the duration of the race.
The evening before the race, consider having all of your clothes laid out and ready to go for the next day. Prepare your bag with the things you will want to have after the race at bag pick up. If you have a person there for support, you may not even drop anything off at the bag drop off point.
Remember to charge your gadgets the day before, especially if you are using them for pacing during the race. If you are running with a new playlist, check to make sure it is set up and ready to go. Full batteries are a must the morning of the race!
The night before the race, it can be difficult to get to sleep. Many people feel anxious about the run and the mind races maybe even faster than you will the next day. Try to get to sleep at a decent hour so you can get some rest. Anticipate the time it will take you to drive, park, and find out where you are supposed to go. Don’t forget the ridiculous lines at the porta-potties. So many people have made sure they are very hydrated and others are trying to empty their bowels before the run so they don’t have to go during the race. In other words, get some rest so you can get there a little early.
Most importantly, be proud of yourself! You showed up and aren’t the one on the sideline. You are the one people are cheering for no matter whether you are first or last. If this is your first race, remember that even seasoned runners had a first race. Everyone there has at some point been in your shoes and there are many who are running their first race right along with you.
